The influence of culture on female entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe

摘要: Background:  There is an increasing interest in female entrepreneurship, not only to realise the potential for economic growth, but also light of opportunities expression, emancipation, agency and empowerment. Literature has found that many entrepreneurs are profoundly affected by traditional sociocultural context which they operate, have needed work around patriarchal barriers order succeed. This study explores ways do this. Aim:  The aim this paper was contribute understanding how a African society can within cultural constraints achieve success their own terms reference. Setting: took place Zimbabwe among who had recently formalised businesses Methods:  Using qualitative interpretive research design, in-depth, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 43 running Zimbabwean cities Harare Bulawayo. Results: complex interplay macro- (national characteristics), meso- (institutional social factors), micro- (individual identity) level factors shaped women dealt shackles patriarchy, inequality high power distance historically impeded participation. Through agency, mobilised public private identities separately, balancing seemingly incompatible roles home-maker vs entrepreneur. Conclusion:  Zimbabwean successfully managed interaction between different balance domestic obligations income generation better lives families.